Spring is a time of renewal, with plants growing and the sun shining on the earth. The mild, neither too hot nor too cold weather is perfect for exercise. As the saying goes, "Life lies in movement," so if you want to have a healthy body, you should keep yourself active. But can exercise also help regulate a restless and anxious mood?
Can Exercise Improve Mood?
Moderate exercise can elevate your spirits, promote the secretion of endorphins in the brain, boost self-confidence, and make you feel more uplifted and cheerful. Additionally, exercise can help balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, stabilize emotions, and create a sense of pleasure, effectively dispelling feelings of depression. In fact, most people’s moods begin to improve after about 20 minutes of exercise, leading to more positive emotions and clearer thinking.
Which Exercises Can Improve Mood?
1. Boxing
Boxing engages the hands, feet, and brain, with constant movement. Each action requires quick thinking before execution. Boxing keeps the cerebral cortex in an excited state, sharpening observation skills and making thinking clearer and more active. It also supplies the brain with ample blood and oxygen, enhancing thinking ability and memory, promoting blood circulation, increasing metabolic rate, and helping to relieve stress. Plus, it’s a great way to burn calories.
2. Swimming
Swimming is an excellent full-body workout, especially for those looking to lose weight, as it helps sculpt the body. When swimming in the water, people can quickly forget their troubles. After about 20 minutes, the brain releases endorphins, improving mood and alleviating physical and mental stress.
3. Walking
Walking is a gentle aerobic exercise that can balance physical and mental stress and soothe anxiety. Just 5 minutes of walking a day can calm the nerves. It’s best to walk by a river or in a park, enjoying the scenery while you stroll. Walking for over 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week, can enhance brain learning functions and improve concentration.
4. Yoga
Yoga is a gentle exercise that provides ample oxygen to the body’s organs, stretches muscles and tendons, and aids in treating depression and bipolar disorder. Practicing yoga also balances the natural nervous system, boosts immunity, and harmonizes the body and mind.
Friendly Reminder:
Most people feel down because they lack adequate exercise. Consider inviting a friend for a short run. It can loosen up your muscles, improve cardiovascular and circulatory system functions, and distract your mind. While running, people gain new sensations, which can alleviate discomfort caused by low moods.
